Sports psychology

Question 1

What is attribution?

Answer 1

The reasons we give for success or failure

Question 2

What are the two dimensions of Weiner’s attribution model?

Answer 2

1 - locus of causality (internal factors and external
factors)
2 - stability (stable and unstable factors)

Question 3

Explain what the locus of causality dimension indicates when looking at attribution

Answer 3

It shows us whether the attribution relates to internal or external factors. Effort and ability represent internal factors whilst task difficulty and luck are external and are variable upon the environment.

Question 4

Explain stability when looking at Weiner’s attribution model.

Answer 4

Stability indicates whether the attributions are stable or unstable, it refers to the degree of permanence associated with an attribution factor. A stable factor such as ability is permanent and unchangeable. An unstable factor is temporary like luck and is changeable.

Question 5

Why might someone attribute failure to external factors?

Answer 5

To maintain confidence, self-esteem, motivation and restore pride.

Question 6

How does NAF personality affect how someone may attribute failure or success?

Answer 6

NAF personalities- likely to attribute success to external factors like task difficulty e.g. I only won because the person I was playing against was bad. They are also more likely to attribute failure to internal factors like ability which will bring on shame and demotivate e.g. I’m not good enough at intercepting passes so that’s why the opposition scored so many goals.

Question 7

How does NACH personality affect how someone may attribute failure or success?

Answer 7

NACH personality- likely to attribute failure to external factors like task difficulty or luck for example I played well but my opposition was just that bit better. They are also likely to attribute success to internal factors like ability e.g. we won that game of football because I made some amazing tackles and retrieved the ball back from the opposition.

Question 8

How will attributing failure to controllable factors affect future performance?

Answer 8

If we believe reasons for failure are changeable then we can think if we change what went wrong for example a lack of effort, then next time we may succeed by putting in more effort.

Question 9

Exam question: explain the term attribution using a sporting situation (2marks)

Answer 9

Attribution is the reasons we give for success or failure

e.g. a football player lost a match and he attributes the failure to playing a team that were more skillful than his.

Question 10

What attributions would you encourage if your team was playing well but often losing? (5 marks)

Answer 10

• put failure down to external factors
• e.g. the opposition was more skillful than your own team despite how well you played
• emphasise that tactics could be changed
• loosing could be due to unlucky circumstances
• emphasise the positive aspects of their play

Question 11

What is Leadership?

Answer 11

A behavioral process that influences individuals and groups towards a goal

Question 12

Name at least 5 possible characteristics of effective leaders

Answer 12

• good communication skills
• empathy with group members
• confidence
• charisma
• motivated
• resilience

Question 13

What is an emergent leader?

Answer 13

Already belong to the group and become a leader through voting or the role is assumed

Question 14

Give the advantages of an emergent leader

Answer 14

• less intimidating to the team
• already know team dynamics
• already accepted as “one of their own” in the team

Question 15

Give disadvantages of an emergent leader

Answer 15

• They may already have friends in the group so have the potential to form bias.
• They may not have the same respect a prescribed leader would have because the team is too comfortable with them.
• May also lack objectivity

Question 16

What is a prescribed leader?

Answer 16

Someone selected from outside of the group and externally appointed

Question 17

Give the advantages of a prescribed leader

Answer 17

• carries more authority
• can bring in a new point of view that is needed
• has more objective
• can have more creative strategies with new ideas

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of prescribed leaders?

Answer 18

• not aware of the team dynamics
• might at first not be accepted into the team as they are deemed an outsider
• can delay team progress as they figure out group dynamics

Question 19

What are the characteristics of autocratic leaders?

Answer 19

• makes all the decisions
• tasks are completed as quickly as possible
• takes no account of group preferences
• no delegation

Question 20

When might autocratic leaders be most effective?

Answer 20

• when quick decisions are needed for large groups e.g. interactive games
• dangerous skills
• young children require this style of leadership
• when groups are hostile and discipline is needed
• for team players that prefer this approach
• cognitive stage learners

Question 21

What are the characteristics of a democratic leaders?

Answer 21

• Share decisions with the group
• Hold discussions with the group and delegate with group members
• Develop interpersonal relationships with team-members

Question 22

When may democratic leadership be most suitable for teams?

Answer 22

-when groups are friendly
-in small groups
in activities that require interpersonal skills
-with autonomous stage performers
-when there are no time constraints
-if the leaders personality is more democratic

Question 23

Chelladurai’s multi-dimensional model of sports leadership, shown in Fig. 7 identifies
different factors that affect leader behaviour.
Antecedents Leader behaviour
Situational characteristics Required behaviour Performance and
Leader characteristics Actual behaviour satisfaction
Member characteristics Preferred behaviour

Using examples from physical activity and sport, explain how effective leadership can be achieved according to the model (6 marks)

Answer 23

1. The leader should to be aware of the situational characteristics, e.g javelin is a dangerous skill that would require a more autocratic approach.
2. The leader needs to be aware of the member’s characteristics/qualities so how old is the group e.g. young children suit an autocratic approach or the skill level may mean a performer needs a more democratic approach.
3. The leader needs to be aware of their own characteristics/qualities e.g. they are naturally a more democratic leader
4. The required behaviour refers to what should/needs to be done by the leader and is influenced by the situational and members characteristics.
5. The preferred behaviour refers to what the group wants the leader to do, which is
   determined by the members characteristics.
6. The actual behaviour is what the leader chooses to do/the leadership style
   selected by the leader e,g., the football coach choses to be autocratic and pick the team

Question 24

In Chelladurai’s multi-dimensional model of sports leadership what are the antecedents?

Answer 24

Members characteristics
Leaders characteristics
Situational characteristics

Question 25

In Chelladurai’s multi-dimensional model of sports leadership what are the factors that make up the leader behaviour?

Answer 25

Required behaviour
Actual behaviour
Preferred behaviour